Comedian David Brenner Dies

David Brenner (pictured second to the left, next to George Carlin), a comedian who appeared on NBC's The Tonight Show more often than any other guest, has died.  ABC News Radio reports Brenner was 78 years old.

Brenner passed away in New York City surrounded by his children, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.  He made his national TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1971, and went on to set the record for the most appearances on that show: 158.  In addition to guest appearances, he hosted the show 75 times.  Brenner played himself in a 2010 episode of ABC's Modern Family.

Brenner was considered to be a pioneer of what is commonly called "observational humor" he once described it as "dumb things that we say or do."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, he is survived by his three children, as well as his current wife, Ruth, and a grandson, Wesley.  His publicist told the Hollywood Reporter that Brenner's final request was that "$100 in small bills be placed in his left sock, 'just in case tipping is recommended where I'm going.'"